February 05, 2010

Love Letter: Xavier Veilhan

Juli’s friend Molly forwarded information about French artist, Xavier Veilhan, knowing that I would be into his work, and I am very grateful, Molly, because I LOVE it!

It is interesting how Veilhan takes generic objects, smoothes away the details and emotions that would normally be implicit in a public statue, and then creates a double-take. Especially juxtaposed to historic, European architecture, in public plazas where grand and time-worn monuments typically celebrate heads of state, war heroes, the greatness of an empire, it is amazing to see forms that are familiar enough, but you never see an eye, an expression or the drape of fabric. The candy colors and faceted, digital smoothness feel so modern and propel these forms to now even when they reference what on first glance could be a familiar site. The horse drawn coach below is a fabulous example.

I would love to see what Veilhan could/would do in the middle of New York City, a more modern setting. Dear CREATIVE TIME Can you invite him to play in our city? I do think it would be interesting since the artist often employs the same trick I.M. Pei pulled off at the Louvre with such incredible effect. If Pei’s glass pyramid was amidst more modern buildings, say in Shanghai, would it be as special?

Feel free to share the cool things that you know of, everybody. Send them in, and thanks so much, Molly, for bringing this work to my attention. You really made my day.